Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm’s Gun Runner met winners for the first time Saturday at Keeneland and came away with a sharp-looking two-length victory.
After debuting a winner in his one-mile debut Sept. 11 at Churchill Downs, Gun Runner was stretched out to two-turns for Saturday’s 1 1/16-mile contest. Breaking from the rail, Ricardo Santana had his mount in a comfortable spot a couple of lengths off the lead.
When Santana finally asked Gun Runner to accelerate, he split horses at the top of the stretch and rolled to the front, winning under a hand ride. The final time of 1:44 3/5 earned the son of Candy Ride a very strong 84 Beyer Speed Figure.
Gun Runner, bred in Kentucky by Besilu Stables, is the first foal out of Quiet Giant, a five-time stakes winner, highlighted by her victory in the Molly Pitcher S. (G2). Quiet Giant is a half-sister to 2005 Horse of the Year Saint Liam.
